Indians take a shine to professional car wash services
Adding lustre to convenience
Despite the widespread prevalence of daily car washing at the doorstep, the car washing sector in India is experiencing a significant boom, which a research report predicts would rise further to USD 1.3 billion as an increasing number of car owners opt for these services.
On a Sunday evening not too long ago, 42-year-old businessman Swaran Singh drove to DLF Mall at Vasant Kunj in Delhi. While looking for a parking spot, he came across a person who offered professional car washing services. Noticing that his car was indeed dirty, Swaran decided to try the service, which, the salesman said used emerging technologies like steam cleaning.
After visiting the mall, when Singh returned to pick up his car, he was pleasantly shocked to see how clean the car had become. Intrigued, Singh asked for details of the cleaning process and the salesperson outlined a number of procedures that the car had been through in the relatively short time that Singh had been visiting the mall.
Impressed by the results, Singh is now occasionally opting for these services over the last one month to keep his car in excellent condition.
Singh is hardly a rare case of a car owner turning to professional car washes. These services have been gaining traction, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic when there was indeed an unprecedented premium on hygiene.
Moreover, the steady growth of the car industry in India has also meant that as more people buy cars and take pride in becoming owners, the car washing industry, a complementary sector, has begun to thrive, stepping in to meet the growing need for vehicle maintenance. Both business owners in this segment are witnessing a boom in their services, while car owners are increasingly utilising them.
Booming car wash industry in India
According to the US-based market research and consulting firm Grand View Research, the Indian car wash industry amassed a revenue of USD 796.1 million in 2022. It further adds, that by 2030, the industry will continue to grow, reaching a staggering revenue of USD 1,301.1 million.
According to industry persons involved in the business, several factors are driving this boom, which has long been popular in countries like the USA.
Rohit Meghe, manager of Speeding Bubbles, a car washing services company based in Thane, near Mumbai, says that increasing population and urbanisation have played a significant role in the sudden rise of the car washing industry.
“With the growing population and rapid urbanisation, cars are increasing daily. Unlike developed countries, public transport in India isn’t as robust, so many rely on private vehicles. This has naturally led to a surge in the car washing business to meet the growing demand,” Meghe tells Media India Group.
Meanwhile, industry experts note that increasing urbanisation and rising economic opportunities in cities have given many working professionals disposable income, making them more willing to spend on premium car wash packages and detailing services.
One such person is 57-year-old Vikas Bajaj, a practicing radiologist in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar, who is a proud owner of a Mercedes C-Class. For the past eight years, Bajaj has been using professional car washing services to maintain his car in pristine condition. His experience reflects the sentiments of millions of upper-middle-class individuals who enjoy disposable income due to the opportunities created by increased urbanization in the country.
“For the past eight years, I have been using professional car washing services to keep my car looking its best for as long as possible. As a car enthusiast, maintaining its condition brings me both happiness and satisfaction,” Bajaj tells Media India Group.
Moreover, with growing disposable income, many consumers have become more conscious of their vehicles’ appearance and longevity. The rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, coupled with the influence of celebrity culture, has heightened customers’ aspirations, leading to an increased desire for a pristine and polished look.
The desire for quality service is such that 28-year-old software engineer Abhishek Thakur, who works at the Gurugram-based tech service startup Urban Company, considers himself an infrequent user of professional car services, and still relies on these companies for their exceptional attention to detail.
“I only use professional car services when my car is sent for servicing. I haven’t used them much, but whenever I do, I prefer them because they pay more attention to detail and generally offer a better service. They focus on things like small scratches, the car interiors, thorough washing, and proper drying,” Thakur tells Media India Group.
However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, where convenience has become paramount, many car owners now prefer these services for their efficiency, ease, and use of specialised tools to ensure their cars are thoroughly cleaned.
The cost for these services can range from INR 600 to INR 800 per visit. The options vary from mechanised cleaning with chemicals to buffing and exterior paint protection. The average cost for basic cleaning of a car daily at the doorstep can range from INR 500-1,000 per month. But, the disproportionately high cost of professional car washes has not deterred car owners from turning to these services.
Amit Dinday, a 27-year-old businessman from Aurangabad, has been utilising these for the past year and has cited the above qualities for opting for these professional washing services.
“I have been using car wash services regularly for about a year now, and honestly, they have been a game-changer. They save me time compared to washing it myself, and the quality is so much better, especially with the tools and products they use. Plus, the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off makes it so much easier,” Dinday tells Media India Group.
Cutting-edge car cleaning technologies
But, the rising demand for car washing services isn’t just driven by changing customer preferences, convenience, and increased purchasing power. An often-overlooked factor in India is the role of cutting-edge technologies in fuelling this growth.
Many car wash companies in India are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as automatic car wash systems that reduce the need for manual labour. Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) allow users to adjust washing time based on specific requirements. To further enhance customer experience, several companies are utilising predictive maintenance, offering personalised recommendations, and boosting user engagement through gamification and loyalty programs.
As a result, consumers are increasingly preferring to use professional car washers, to keep their cars clean and aesthetically pleasing.
However, the car wash industry is not without its challenges. Businesses continue to face several hurdles, including water scarcity, environmental concerns, fierce competition, and lack of standardised practices, inconsistent quality, and labour issues. These factors contribute to service inconsistency, ultimately affecting customer perception and loyalty.
According to Meghe of Speeding Bubbles, technology is the key to tackling both the environmental challenges and the issues plaguing the industry.
“Water scarcity is growing, and traditional methods like manual labour and water pumps aren’t sustainable. Using spray water pumps can reduce wastage, and steam machines are a great alternative for deep cleaning. Other challenges, such as local mafias and the difficulty in finding skilled labour, are also plaguing the industry. There is a need for more automation to decrease dependency on manpower,” adds Meghe.
But, as the number of foreign-made cars on the road grows, so does the demand for top-tier car care services. Technological advancements and heightened consumer awareness are ensuring that more vehicles shine brighter than ever. Enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are investing in professional car washes, driving the industry’s rapid growth. While challenges like water scarcity and labour issues persist, the integration of technology and innovation will be crucial in meeting the rising demand for high-quality, convenient services.